It’s not uncommon to put on a bit of weight during the colder months of the year. Of course, when spring arrives, many people take note of this change and now is the time to take action if you want to get rid of those extra kilograms. Salads are a great way of providing your body with the nutrients it needs without all those empty calories. If you find salads boring or unappealing, here are some delicious spring salad recipe ideas for you to try.

Nuts and Berry Salad

Ingredients:

  • Fresh spinach
  • Mixed berries of your choice

Ingredients for the sugar almonds:

  • ½ cup almonds (sliced)
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Ingredients for the dressing:

  • 1 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • ¾ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon poppyseed
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  • To make this spring salad, you need to begin by washing the spinach and berries thoroughly. Set them aside to allow the water to drain.
  • Next, combine the almonds and sugar in a frying pan and cook on medium to low heat. Make sure that you stir constantly. Once the sugar starts to melt, ensure that all of the almonds are thoroughly coated.
  • Add cinnamon to the almonds before removing from heat and allow them to cool down.
  • For the dressing, you will need to combine all of the ingredients listed above in a blender and mix well. This dressing can be stored in a bottle in the fridge. Just be sure to shake well before use.
  • Next, place the spinach in a bowl and top with berries and nuts.
  • Drizzle your dressing over the top and serve!

Pomegranate quinoa salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups pomegranate seeds
  • ¼ cup green onion (sliced thinly)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ½ Tablespoons rice vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  • To make this spring salad, you will need to combine the quinoa and water in a pot and cook over medium high heat until it starts to boil.
  • Turn the heat down to low and place a lid on top. Allow to cook for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the stove and allow to cool.
  • Mix the pomegranate seeds, onion, oil, vinegar and salt with the quinoa.
  • If you like, you can serve on a bed of spinach or you can serve as a side for your full meal.

Chicken and Pesto Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 package pasta (bow tie variety)
  • 1 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup Italian salad dressing
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup grilled or roasted chicken
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups spinach
  • ½ cup feta cheese

Instructions:

  • This spring salad is a meal all on its own! You will need to begin by cooking the pasta as per the instructions on the package.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
  • Drizzle oil over the pasta and toss to coat well.
  • Place the pasta in a serving bowl and stir in the Italian dressing as well as the pesto.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and toss well to mix.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • You can refrigerate to chill before serving. Just make sure that you mix the salad well before serving.

As you can see, these spring salad recipes are really easy, healthy and absolutely scrumptious. If you have any other preferences, you can add or substitute some of the ingredients. Just make sure that you take care when adding any ingredients with a high amount of fat or carbohydrates.